Goshenland rules MGD Cup

GOSHENLAND reasserted its mastery against its rivals to claim the crown in the men’s open of the Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan Football Cup Saturday morning.

After a scoreless first half, Goshen drew first blood from Homer Alinsug’s goal in the 57th minute mark of the second half that took them a 2-1 romp over rival BSU Alumni at the rain drenched and muddy Melvin Jones football grounds.

“Actually it was a crucial goal kasi momentum changing tsaka moral boosting na rin para sa team,” said Alinsug of his goal that sent the madding crowd at the Melvin Jones celebrating.

That goal sent the celebration tone for Goshen who was poised to take on the title.

But despite trailing early on, the Alumni came back seven minutes after Goshen scored the first goal of the game which was eventually tied after Ken Cariño’s right atop the center of Goshen’s goal.

Mark Signabon, who put Baguio football back on the map after scoring a goal against the Philippine Azkals, sealed the deal for the National Men’s Open bound squad after scoring the second goal for Goshen in the 78th minute mark.

Both squad played tooth and nail in the first half but Goshen had the upper hand as it controlled most of the possession but failed to send a goal at the close of 45 minute mark.

The undefeated Goshenland closed out their elimination with an emphatic 5-0 win-loss record before silencing the young Team Onse in their semis match up with a 5 -1 beating in the event co-organized by the Baguio United Football Club.

BSU Alumni, meanwhile, drubbed their younger counterparts by edging BSU Varsity in their semis match during the weekend play with a four goal difference, 5-1, in the event support by Goshenland Capitals and the Baguio United Football Club.

Goshen made it almost a 3-1 affair after Myanmar national Robert Thawng ‘s goal was deemed illegal after officials ruled it offside.

The football cup served as an arena for public school children and other teams to have a competitive football tournament to enhance their character and football skills, according to organizers.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 01, 2011.

Baguio Defenders bag golds and silvers

MANILA -- Barely a week of preparations for a battle pitting the best kicksters in the country didn't stop six fearless Baguio boys from pressing their luck in the 2011 Adidas Martial Arts Week at the SM Mall of Asia, July 24.

The gamble paid off with two golds, five silvers, with a lone casualty.

Not bad for the super six, considering they were up against members of the best of the country, including highly-touted members of the Philippine Kyorugi (sparring) Team.

Baguio Defenders junior jins Keno Anthony Mendoza, Benjamin Keith Sembrano, Rencer Shane Lavestre; and seniors Billy Joe Soria, Patrick Castillo, and Anfernie Dizon knew they were up against blackbelts who've been training for weeks, even months prior the tournament.

Undaunted despite being informed only Thursday evening the same week of the tournament, the team proceeded to Manila Saturday while everyone else were deep in slumber -- less their regular supporters, less their families, and even less their mentor and coach Arnold Oglayon.

Oglayon committed to coaching the bulk of his taekwondo players in the 2011 National Poomsae Championships in nearby Rizal Memorial Coliseum, which tournament happened on the same day.

He delegated coaching duties to his most able lieutenant and player, Soria.

Sembrano, a senior at the Baguio City National Science High School (BCNSHS) snared first gold in his weight class.

Asked about the experience, he said: "Our decision to go would have been interpreted as either foolishness or bravery as we've never been in a competition without weeks of heavy training. Looking back, I'm glad we could actually say we did it out of courage and heart."

Following Sembrano in the same level of the victors' ladder is Mendoza, a veteran internationalist.

Mendoza in Filipino said, "The fight was really tough... but the daily sparring sessions we had, though not much of the regular heavy training we usually have with coach Oglayon before any tournament really paid off."

The third year prep high student from the University of Baguio (UB) added, "It kept us conditioned for any surprise competitions like this one."

Aside from representing Baguio in the tilt, both Mendoza and Sembrano are teammates in the Philippine Juniors' Sparring Team and are being offered juicy scholarship deals by bi universities in Metro Manila.

Meantime, settling for silvers that weighed as heavy as gold were Soria, Castillo, and Lavestre, all of whom are varsity players of UB training under the watchful eyes of Baguio Defenders Sabumnim Oglayon.

Aside from taekwondo, boxing, judo, wrestling, and karate were part of the martial arts event. (Isagani Liporada)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 30, 2011.

Tadian to host athletic meet in December

THE municipality of Tadian in Mt. Province will host the 2011 Provincial Athletic Meet scheduled in December.

It will be the second time the event will be held outside the capital town of Bontoc.

According to Rosendo Cacap of the Department of Education Division Office, it is the initiative of the local officials headed by Mayor Anthony Wooden, who offered their municipality as venue of the annual athletic meet.

Cacap said playing venues are all available in the municipality including the swimming pool except for the athletic oval, which has still to be improved.

For the different delegations of the province, the school buildings of the Tadian Central School, Tadian School of Arts And Trade, Mt. Province State Polytechnic College-Tadian Campus, Kayan Elementary School and the Holy Rosary High School, will be used for accommodations.

The provincial meet continues to serve as a venue to discover talented and promising athletes and players in various arenas of sports from among students in both public and private schools while developing sportsmanship and strengthening camaraderie among the athletes. (Juliet B. Saley)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 29, 2011.

Gabutan up for 100 rounds

RODERICK OSIS

NOT WANTING to let the title slip away, World Boxing Organization Oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan will be up for a tough training regimen as the days go by for his September 22 title defense.

Although he is slowly peaking at the moment, Gabutan’s manager Brico Santig said the 22 year old needs more than 100 rounds of sparring to be able to reach his 100% condition before flying to Hong Kong next month.

“We started training two weeks ago and by second week of August we we will be going down to Cavite para mas lalong maka pag concentrate siya sa kanyang training,” said Santig.

Gabutan is currently holding his training camp at the Highland Boxing Gym where he trains alongside stable mate Elmer Francisco.

The Ambagiw, Besao of Mt. Province native in an earlier interview has so far lodged 30 rounds of sparring.

“So far, what we are trying to do with Dayer is for him to regain his power and weights training and then alter as we proceed sa mas mahirap na phase which is more of sparring with different boxer,” added Santig.      

Gabutan will be accompanied by four other fighters coming from their stable including featherweight Randy Megriño, welterweight Dennis Padua, and lady boxer light flyweight Jujeath Nagaowa.      

LEAN AND MEAN - Bantamweight champ Dayer Gabutan (white shirt) resumes training at the Hayashi-Highland Boxing gym as he efends his title this september in Hong Kong. The soft spoken warrior will be improving on his speed to augment his power punch that took Thai fighter Kiatpracha down to his knees a few months back-Larry P. Fabian

Since winning the WBO belt in 2010, Gabutan has won 14 of his 17 fights including 6 knock outs with one loss and a draw with an eight fight win streak since December 6, 2009.

Santig, meanwhile, said Gabutan’s opponent for the upcoming title defense will still be known later this week but they have already receive a word from Chinese promoter Raymond Chang another Thailander will fight Gabutan.

“Defintely another Thailander will be his opponent and it will be a main event of the fight night,” added Gabutan. Roderick Osis            

Busy week ahead for Benguet pugs

RODERICK OSIS

TWO BENGUET boxers are set to test their mettle next week outside the country in the hopes of improving their professional records.

Leading the cast in next week’s bout is minimum weight prospect Wilbur Andugan who is set to test his skills against an unnamed fighter in Seoul, Korea slated Aug. 6 while bantamweight hopeful Edwin Tumbaga will be in Tokyo, Japan on Aug. 8.

Both fighters of the Higland Boxing Gym of Brico Santig have been in the training gym for quite some time now and Santig expressed optimism both fighters will bring home honors for the country.

“Actually si Wilbur at Edwin, masipag magtraining kaso may tendency lang na mag relax paminsan minsan kaya dapat talag eh tinututukan yung training nila,” said Santig.

THE AFTERMATH - Upcoming Wilbur Andogan(black shirt) is priming up to improve on his stamina during a sparring session at the Hayashi-Highland Boxing gym, as he will again prove his win a few months back is no fluke. Andogan will  will fight in Seoul, South Korea from a still unnamed Korean slugger.-Larry P. Fabian

Currently ranked at number 27 in the country, Andugan has a record of eight wins, including two knock outs, seven losses and three draws.            

The 20 year old righty is coming off a three game streak since December 21 where he knocked out Roy Albaera before scoring a unanimous victory against the same fighter last March 7 before securing a 10 round unanimous win over Geboi Mansalayao.

Tumbaga, meanwhile, will see action on August 10, this time in Tokyo, Japan and will square off against undefeated Japanese Sho Ishida from Osaka, Japan.

Tumbaga, with a record of 11 wins, 17 losses and five draws will try to break a win again after suffering two losses and a draw in his last three fights, his last win was recorded in August 23, 2010 against Edwin Picardal.

Ishida, meanwhile, has an unblemished record of eight wins, three of which coming by way of knock–out.

Chesaa season 10 to usher in September

RODERICK OSIS

THE CORDILELRA Higher Education Sports Athletic Association hopes to gain further achievement as its 10th season opens this September.

Set to open on September 2, this year’s collegiate league will be hosted by BSBT College.

At least 12 schools are set to rejoin the annual competition, according to National Institute of Information Technology’s Breslin Bill Maliones.    

“With BSBT hosting the event, where hoping that other schools will also join the year long sports fest,” added Maliones of the outgoing host NIIT.

Expected to return are King's College of the Philippines (formerly known as Eastern Luzon College), Benguet Vocational School Colleges, and Montañosa National College.

They will be joined by regular members NIIT Baguio, Baguio College of Technology, Philippine Women's University, Cordillera Career Development College, AMA College, Easter College, Luzon Nazarene Bible College, and Data Center College of the Philippines Baguio.

Events to be played in the first semester include volleyball, cheer dance, literary music, chess men and women, scrabble, billiards, dance sports, and sports quiz bee. Added events are modern dance, darts, bowling for the technical and executives, and soft ball (exhibition sport).

Basketball competitions will be the biggest draw for this year's competition when it ushers in the second semester with all eyes on defending champion Baguio College of Technology gunning for another title retention bid.

STI College Baguio and National University who skipped in last year’s tournament will still be a doubtful starter for the league’s upcoming season.  

Unlike the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League which caters to universities in Baguio and Benguet, Chesaa was formed for the smaller colleges to compete in various team and individual sports events to promote camaraderie and team building among students from other colleges.

Team Lakay sets sight on Pacific X-treme Combat

THREE OF the upcoming stars from Team Lakay are set to see action next month as the Guam based Pacific X-treme Combat makes a return to the country.

The trio of Geje Eustaquio, Jasor Ablasi and Crisanto Pitpitunge are set to show their wares when the mix martial arts promotion sets another fight tentatively set on Aug. 20.

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao told Sun.Star Baguio in a recent interview the three are currently training alongside Universal Reality Combat championship welterweight champion Eduard Folayang and lightweight Honorio Banario.

Folayang is scheduled to return to the ring in September outside the country while Banario will have his first title defense on Aug. 21 in Davao.

“They have already started training and hopefully they win para mas lalong mapansin ang MMA,” said Sangiao.

The PXC, the premier mixed martial arts promotional organization in the Pacific region, serves as a springboard for mixed martial arts fighters bidding to prove their worth in the United States.

Their first international foray in the Philippines aims to be the start of the organization's long-term goals to make PXC a significant event and add to its stable of international fighters.

Despite the perception the Philippines has a conservative audience in contact sports, the PXC organizers believe MMA will build a good audience, especially with the presence of local MMA events, particularly in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC).

Sangiao, meanwhile, added although the three were already tapped to see action, their opponents have yet to be announced by the organizers.

Gabutan eyes title defense in Hong Kong

WORLD Boxing Organization oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan returns to the ring anew to defend his title for the third time.

And this time, the 22 year old Ambagiw, Besao, Mt. Province native will showcase his wares outside the country as he is scheduled to fight in Hong Kong this coming September after a Chinese boxing promoter got the nod of promoting the fight.

So far, the champion, who now trains in La Trinidad, Benguet has returned to the gym and has lodged 20 rounds of sparring since he started training.

“Sa ngayon wala pang sigurado kung ilang rounds ang gagawin naming sparring kasi baka sa Manila ako magtrain para makuha yung kondisyon ko,” added Gabutan.

Gabutan will be accompanied by four other fighters coming from their stable including featherweight Randy Megriño, welterweight Dennis Padua, and lady boxer light flyweight Jujeath Nagaowa.

“Actually ito po yung unang laban ko abroad kaya sana eh matuloy,” added the young southpaw.

Since winning the WBO belt in 2010, Gabutan has won 14 of his 17 fights including 6 knock outs with one loss and a draw with an eight fight win streak since December 6, 2009.

Gabutan floored his Thai challenger, Meechai Kiatpracha once in the third round with 1:23 remaining and it was all it took for the defending champion to shut up his foe in their toe-to-toe slugfest last April at the jampacked La Trinidad municipal gym.

Currently ranked number 15 in the country’s bantamweight division and 77th over-all in the world, Gabutan’s rank is expected to shoot up anew if his defense goes well. (Roderick Osis)

Goshenland, BSU Alumni arrange finals duel

Larry Fabian Photo 

GOSHENLAND simply outclassed Team Onse to barge into the finals while Benguet State University Alumni avenged its earlier loss to arrange a finals match up in the men’s open at the close of the first Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan Football Cup.

The undefeated Goshenland closed out their elimination with an emphatic 5-0 win-loss record before silencing the young Team Onse in their semis match up with a 5 -1 beating in the event co-organized by the Baguio United Football Club.

BSU Alumni, meanwhile, drubbed their younger counterparts by edging BSU Varsity in their semis match during the weekend play with a four goal difference, 5-1, in the event support by Goshenland Capitals.

The younger Varsity squad gearing up for the upcoming Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League earlier stung the alumni with an emphatic 6-1 victory Saturday morning in the weekly month-long tournament.

Larry Fabian Photo

The less experienced Varsity squad, however, failed to sustain its win during the semis match in a rain soaked Melvin Jones football grounds.

Team Onse, composed of the Saint Louis University football squad, caught the last bus to the semis by edging Baguio City National High School Football Club with a 3-1 victory after the former absorbed a 2-0 beating against the BSU Varsity.

In the 7-a-side ladies open, Baguio Timanx of the fabled Baguio Cinderella football team drubbed their younger counterparts, Team Solid, 1-0, to advance in the finals with BSU A shooting down De La Salle Lipa, 3-0, also in the semis match.

The Timanx topped the eliminations with a clean 4 game victory while Baguio Solid and De La Salle shared the number two spot at the close of the eliminations with BSU A taking the last semis seat in the distaff event.

Team Solid then notched the third place plum after edging De La Salle while the Baguio Timanx and BSU A are set to square off with each other in the finals match next week.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 26, 2011.

Folayang to be tested in September battle

THERE'S no proof of ring rust for Filipino and Baguio bred fighter Eduard Folayang as he starts to peak in time for his September debut in the upcoming ONE Fighting Championship(tm) mixed martial arts promotion in Singapore.

"Actually, matagal na naming pinag-aaralan yung galaw ng makakalaban ko, so we're not taking him lightly kasi maganda din naman yung kanyang record," said the Universal Reality Combat Championship welterweight champion Folayang.

The former Asian games silver medalist Folayang is referring to Manila-born Danish Ole Laursen as one of the main fights during the debut of the mix martial arts promotion.

It will be Folayang's first return to the ring after almost a year of absence in competitive fighting. He last saw action in Martial Combat in October of 2010 when he defeated Vuyisile Colossa in a grueling three round unanimous decision.

Although Folayang may be a bit rusty as he steps into the ring, he has been keeping his condition in check as he supervised the training of other mix martial artists Kevin Belingon, who defended his bantamweight title against Ryan Diaz, and pinweight champion Roy Docyogen last March.

"Matagal na walang laban pero tuloy-tuloy naman yung naging training natin as part of our conditioning kaya nung nalaman ko na lalaban ulit ako sa September, eh dun na kaming mag umpisa ng hard training last June," said Folayang.

Folayang was supposed to fight in Abu Dhabi last March but things did not work out well. On the other hand, he assured he will continue to see action in upcoming international mix martial arts events and is being primed to defend his welterweight title in the URCC later this year.

A member of the wuhsu national squad, Folayang said he is trying to spruce up his ground and pound game and at the same time his striking skills to counter Olsen's stand-up game.

"Kailangan lang mapino yung takedown skills natin para makuha yung advantage sa laro," added Folayang.

The Team Lakay stalwart, meanwhile, is optimistic he will have a slight edge against his fellow mix martial arts fighter but reiterated he is not taking Laursen lightly. (Roderick Osis)


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 25, 2011.

FIFA football seminar nets hundreds

Photo by Larry Fabian 

THE HUGE gap in age in the country’s football setting has urged the Philippine Football federation to push for a comprehensive grass root program.

Close to 500 young football enthusiast ranging from 6-12 years old trooped to the BSU football grounds Saturday morning to be part of the first grassroots training program organized by the Baguio-benguet Football Association in cooperation with the Philippine Football Federation.

The one day drills and skills training brought former Japanese player and technical director of the Japanese football squad Takeshi Ono as one of the speakers of the weeklong seminar culminated by the one day football festival.

“Actually ito yung pang-apat na grassroots program na ginawa natin dito sa bansa which started sa San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Davao for the Mindanao leg and, Baguio-Benguet for Luzon,” said Marlon Maro, an instructor for elite coaching under the PFF.

The seminar was also supervised by a representative from FIFA coming from Malaysia.

This grassroots program which is being implemented by FIFA, according to Maro is to develop the interest of the children in playing football and strengthen the base of the grass roots particularly in football.

“The program would be a good feeder for the country’s national football squad kasi malaki yung gap between our 17 under and the seniors team that is why the program is one of filling that gap,” added Maro.

Photo by Larry Fabian

Maro said under the new approach, systems will be implemented where kids will register and will be assigned to teams. Afterwards, they will be ushered to different stations in the training system where they will be coached and mentored on every aspect of their game and skills.

Following the different training systems, kids will be brought to a tournament station where they will apply the coaching they received from the different training systems.

With this kind of grassroots program which he hopes to sustain because of the support being given by FIFA and the PFF. “We want to see in the near future na purong pinoy ang naglalaro na para sa Phl football team,” Maro added.

Banario catches flu, but condition peaking

DESPITE catching flu during his training, Honorio Banario will be ready to defend his lightweight crown in the Universal Reality Combat Championship against former title holder Angelito Manuray when they meet on August.

Banario, who started training last week, was advised to take a three-day rest before he plunges to training anew as he prepares for the August 21 bout at the Davao City Grand Oasis Convention Center.

"Since we started hard training last week, medyo gumaganda na yung kondisyon nya kaso medyo naulanan siya nung nagtraining kami earlier this week kaya trinangkaso," said Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao.

"But he will be okay this weekend and hopefully we could resume hard training again on Monday or Tuesday," Sangiao assured.

This will be the second time both fighters will square off in the lightweight division after Banario snatched the crown in last April's URCC encounter dubbed "Collision" as one of the co-main event of the evening via a rear naked choke in the eight-minute mark of the second round scheduled for two rounds.

Banario's win is the fourth weight class championship belt of Team Lakay.

Both fighters were undefeated prior to their April match. However, Banario came out with a big win for his fourth consecutive win, all on submission.

Manguray, a dentist by profession has four wins, all on technical knockout with only the loss against Banario marring his record.

Although they are not taking Manguray lightly, Sangiao said they are right now training Manguray with other skills he can use against the dentist turned mix martial arts fighter.

"Our game right now is to counter the counter kasi sigurado yun yung magiging plan nila for us," added Sangiao.

The Team Lakay coach also said despite Banario catching the flu, his conditioning and his skills are far better this time than his first encounter against Manguray.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 23, 2011.

Calaguio to spice up action in 2nd Baguio Day Cup

FORMER professional basketball player Chris Calaguio is expected to spice up the second Baguio Day Cup when it opens on August 7 at the Easter College gym.

With 40 teams already a shoo in time for the weekend opening, Calaguio's Abundant Harvest already signified its intent of playing in the two-year-old league conceptualized to bring a competitive level of amateur basketball in Baguio City.

Although the one-time Philippine Basketball Association all-star is set to play in the tournament, organizers immediately quipped there will be no open division for this year's staging.

"We have opened all current and former varsity players to play so they can join weaker teams. Bracketing will be by strength of the team as a whole," said organizer Melvin Perez.

Other teams expected to see action in the higher brackets are Benguet Electric Cooperative, Isaac-MGD and Golden Pine Hotel.

Perez, meanwhile, said the league is still considering the addition of the 40 and above bracket, eyeing at least six to seven brackets in the tournament.

Registration, which costs P12,500 per team on installment basis and P12,000 for teams who pay in full, is now ongoing. Registration period started June 27 and will strictly end on July 30.

The tournament will be a round-robin format where the top four teams in each bracket will play for the cross over semifinals with the top two teams enjoying a twice to beat advantage.

Cash prizes, aside from the championship and division trophies, await the champs.

Individual awards will also be given to top performing players in the tournament, including a mythical five, a season and finals most valuable player for each bracket.

For further questions, please contact Edwin Edades at 0917-3454625 or Melvin Perez at 0917-8807084 or "like" Baguio Day Cup 2011 on Facebook and interested teams may also send an email to baguiodaycup2011@gmail.com.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 22, 2011.

Gacad-Vinluan tandem wins badminton tilt

SUN.STAR Baguio sports columnist and Young Men’s Christian Association’s Bobby Vinluan tandemed with Baguio Chronicle columnist Zards Gacad smashed their rivals to win the media division at the close of the Cordillera PNP Press Corps Badminton Open Invitational tournament.

The duo opened their campaign with 35-34 triumph over Joe Esteras of NBN-4 and Al Mirabueno in the second game to stay in contention for the top prize in the scribes division.

Earlier, the pair of Jonathan Llanes of NBN 4 and Sun.Star Baguio photo contributor Larry Fabian started slow but managed to escape the tandem of DZEQ radio ng Bayan Baguio anchors Jong Munar and Robart Tabay, 35-33, to join the Vinluan-Gacad tandem in the opener.

Gacad and Vinluan came up with another huge victory, this time by downing Llanes and Fabian in a lopsided 35-12 victory, which placed them at the top of team standings with a clean 2-0 slate.

Munar and Tabay, meanwhile, bounced back from their first defeat in an exciting 35-34 victory against winless Esteras-Mirabuneo tandem in the fundraising activity of the Cordillera PNP Press Corps to enable the group to conduct outreach programs in the different parts of the region in the coming months.

The tandem of Esteras–Mirabueno, winless after two games, once again failed to deliver in their last game against Llanes and Fabian, 35-24, despite an early lead to put them dead last in the competition supported by Philex Mining Corporation, Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and Smart Communications.

Gacad and Vinluan then closed out the Munar-Tabay tandem to claim the crown in the media division via a 35-22 drubbing, which placed the radio broadcasters at third in the event also supported by SN Aboitiz, Benguet Electric Cooperative, Goshenland and Land Bank of the Philippines.

Fabian and LLanes, meanwhile, salvaged the first runner-up honors with a 2-1 record in the event, which drew close to 200 badminton players from all over with the help of the Police Regional Office Cordillera and Benguet Provincial Police Office.

Top smashers in the collegiate, elite, secondary and elementary level took their time out to join the three day badminton tournament with cash prizes amounting to more than P80,000 plus trophies and medals for the top two winners in the doubles and mixed doubles event.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 19, 2011.

Dalog taps Pacquiao for boxing program in Mt. Province

WITH hopes of finding another boxing superstar in the country, Mt. Province is set to have a program on boxing, and it is tapping no less than the pound-for-pound king to set up the program.

Mt. Province Representative Maximo Dalog said the local government is keen on promoting the sport considering the landlocked province has produced numerous fighters who are world class caliber.

"We have been thinking of that idea, and we're thinking of tapping Manny Pacquiao to help us out in this program if it would materialize," said Dalog.

The idea spurred after an Ambagiw native of Besao town became a world champion in his young career, and they expect Dayer Gabutan, the current WBO oriental bantamweight champion, to help them in the boxing program.

Gabutan successfully defended his title in two tries last year after winning the crown way back in 2010 when he defeated Jilo Merlin via a unanimous decision (116-113 twice and 115-113) in their 12-round minor title in Angeles City, Pampanga.

In his second title defense, Gabutan floored Thai challenger Meechai Kiatpracha once in the third round with 1:23 remaining and it was all it took for the 22-year-old boxer. He also scored a technical knockout against compatriot Pol Apolinario, also in 2010.

Although the congressman expressed his full support for the Besao fighter, he said there are also other fighters from the province who are waiting to be discovered and be given a break.

But according to Dalog, this will be done in the grassroots program and with the help of experts manning the training.

"Of course, we will tap Pacquiao as one of our advisor because there's no other resource person to think off when it comes to boxing than the seven time champion," added Dalog.

The lone district representative also added that the local government is convincing the Sarangani representative to train in the Mountain Province owing to the cooler climate and probably lesser distraction.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 16, 2011.

Benguet-trained boxer claims WBC tilt

BENGUET trained Roilo Golex finally scored his biggest boxing victory after claiming the World Boxing Council- Asian Boxing Council minimumweight.

Golez, who trains under promoter Brico Santig and a stablemate of WBO oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan, stopped defending champion Thongthailek Sor Tanapinyo via 10th round technical KO in Krathum Bean, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand.

It will be Golez’ second fight in Thailand after suffering a unanimous victory against reining Yodmongkol Vor Saengthep light flyweight titlist with three judges seeing the match at 93-97, 93-97, 94-96 last May.

But this did not hamper the Compostela Valley born fighter from taking the crown after wresting the crown in a tough contest with both the Thai and Pinoy warriors hungry for victory exchanging vicious and dangerous combinations which entertained the Thai audience in Krathum Bean.

Although the contest was almost even, Golez finally began delivering the telling blows in the tenth round which hurt and slowed the Thai champ eventually sending Sor Tanapinyo to the floor for the first time.

The 24 year old Thai managed to beat the mandatory eight count but the Filipino boxer did not slow down and instead delivered a three blow combination sending the Thai boxer to the canvass anew with 1:04 remaining in the 10th.

Golez now improved his record to 12 victories with 4 knock outs including six defeats and his second shot at the crown since turning pro in 2006 where he had a four game winning streak before it was snapped in 2007.

A native of Compostela Valley, Golez, has since moved to La Trinidad in 2010 to polish his boxing career.

After a two year absence inside the ring, Golez made his mark anew by stopping Charlou Paler in December of 2010 at the Allen Coliseum in Samar, Leyte.

Golez’ victory was also a follow up to another stable mate who won the World Boxing Association Pan Asian Boxing Association light flyweight also in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rey Lorito of La Trinidad unveiled a display of awesome boxing prowess to knock out World Boxing Association No. 1 Wusani Kokietgym who was knocked down three times.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 14, 2011.

FIFA football seminar on this week

TO FURTHER boost the grassroots development program being pushed by Federation Internationale de Football Association, a one day seminar will be scheduled this week for interested football coaches and players.

The course will be for coaches of grassroots players aged 6-12 years old to further promote football in the country.

Former Japanese football player and technical director of the Japanese football squad Takeshi Ono will be the speaker for the one day event slated on July 16 at the BSU football grounds.

"We want to have as many [participants] as possible because we have to break the 500 kids of San Carlos City in Negros," said Aries Bocalan who recently joined the refreshers on coaches by FIFA in Visayas.

Bocalan, the playing coach of the Goshenland-BUFC Men's Football team who also represented the city in the seminar, explained the new football program will be applied first to 7 and under kids on July 30.

"This new FIFA approach in grassroots football will encourage more kids to get trained in football because it is not tournament oriented but development oriented," said Bocalan.

Ono will also be accompanied by Marlon Maro, a Philippine Football Federation instructor for elite coaching.

The seminar opens at 7 a.m. and will be free of charge. It is also open to all beginners and intermediate coaches and players.

Under the new approach, systems will be implemented where kids will register and will be assigned to teams. Afterwards, they will be ushered to different stations in the training system where they will be coached and mentored on every aspect of their game and skills.

Following the different training systems, kids will be brought to a tournament station where they will apply the coaching they received from the different training systems.

Interested participants may proceed to the BSU football grounds on the July 16 and may call coach Bocalan at (0949)367-0089.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 12, 2011.

Patrimonio graces US Embassy basketball clinic

CLOSE to 700 upcoming and varsity basketball players took their time out to join the first-ever basketball clinic under the America in 3D at the SLU covered courts.

Three universities coming from the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League were among the participants in the two-day event as part of the US Embassy's most significant outreach initiative in the Summer Capital.

BASKETBALL CLINIC - PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio and current B-Meg pro cager Rico Maierhofer gave free basketball skills clinic to local Basketball coaches and varisties at the Saint Louis University covered courts last june 8.-Larry P. Fabian

Four-time PBA most valuable player Alvin Patrimonio, who is now the team manager of B-Meg Derby Ace, together with Rico Maierhofer, who also plays for the same squad, was speaker of the two-day event.

"In this clinic, we will not only teach you the basics of basketball but we will also try to instill to you the proper attitude, discipline, passion and the love for the sport of basketball," said Patrimonio during the clinic, which will have four sessions.

Among the three universities are host Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras and La Trinidad based Cordillera Career Development College.

Also participating in the basketball clinic were high school students from the different schools in the city and nearby La Trinidad, Benguet.

"With this clinic, we hope to see a Baguio player making it in the PBA," added Patrimonio.

The clinic resumes Saturday with US Ambassador Harry Thomas expected to drop by and introduce the 2 p.m. basketball clinic.

Hoping to improve their basic skills in basketball, Baguio City National High School coach Joey Agaser said the clinic is a big help in their training regimen as they prepare for several competitions slated this year.

"I'm hopeful na sana eh matutunan ng mga bata ng maayos yung mga basic drills at mga bagong skills na ituturo," said Agacer.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 09, 2011.

Anton draws 1st blood in hillclimb kick-off leg

  FIRST BLOOD. Multi-titled race car driver Carlos Anton is congratulated by Castrol team 

manager Ced Morales after a near perfect run in the Hills of Pias La Union. Contributed Photo.

INSPIRED by his recent victories in several races, Carlos Anton opened his campaign in the kick off leg of the 2011 Philippine Hillclimb Championship with a win.Anton, the defending title holder, bagged first place in group 5 and the overall best time for the day with a 1:31.18 second run up the La Union Pias Stage.

Anton led his Yokohama-Castrol team to a 1-2-3 finish with Alfie Concepcion posting the 2nd fastest time of 1:35.20 and Dennis Aoyong with a 1:39.17 run using his Lancer Evolution 5 racecar.

“It’s great to have a perfect start to the season, I hope we can continue our winning ways over the next rounds.” Anton said after his run up the mountain with his ever faithful 200 horsepower Honda CRX prepared by the Mark Young racing team.

Anton’s Castrol-Hornitex team mate and defending Group 2 champion Frankie Domingo (1:42.14) picked up where he left off last year and won the division over Edmund Dupo with a time of 1:42.94.

Jimson Balmeo lorded it over group 3 division while Ronnie Manalo ruled the Historic car class and BJ Frondoso won the “S” class. Over 35 racers participated in the event sponsored by Castrol Oils and supported by the La Union Government.

Anton was conferred the Driver of the Year award in the field of Hillclimb racing in the prestigious 2011 annual Automobile Association of the Philippines Awards Night earlier this year.

The Baguio-native backed up by Yokohama, Castrol, Hornitex, Autoshack, Home outlet, and Sizzling Plate, holds the rare distinction as one of the few racing drivers from various racing disciplines in the country to be feted by the AAP which is the local governing body for motorsports affiliated with the Federation Internationale de Automobile (FIA).

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 07, 2011.

G-string clad booters open MGD football Cup

 BAGUIO City National High School eked out a hard-earned 6-5 victory in a penalty shootout in an exhibition game, which marked the opening of the first Mayor Mauricio Domogan Football Cup at the Melvin Jones Football grounds.

The BCNHS squad almost took the victory after an easy goal in the first half courtesy of Jay Foken but Pinsao-Baguio United Hard 11 scored an equalizer courtesy of Christian Cawiding right at the opening minutes of the second half.

With both squads failing to score after regulation, BCNHS, led by Foken scored two more goals in the shootout with Reymark Tengco, scoring two more goals, while Manuel Cawis scored the winning goal in the game.

Pinsao was led by Cawiding's two goals, one during the regulation and another during the shootout, while Miller Akiapat, Clemente Luis and Gabriel Lomasok added one goal each in the event hatched by the Baguio United Football Club.

The g-string clad booters were an exhibition game as part of the grand opening of the football tournament backed by Goshen Land Capitals.

"We conceptualized this exhibition game because we want to showcase the sport as one where Cordillerans can excel because of our physique," said Goshenland, chief executive officer Alex Bangsoy during the opening.

It will be the first month-long football tournament to be played all weekends of July with seven teams competing in the men's open with Goshendland, Benguet State University, BSU Alumni, Pinsao Hard 11, City High FC, Team Onse, and Philippine Military Academy.

Meanwhile, Baguio Representative Bernardo Vergara promised to bring in more football tournaments to the city to give the sport a big boost in the Summer Capital.

"If there is a Domogan Cup, we also promise to bring in Vergara Cup in our effort to promote sports in the city of Baguio," Vergara said during the opening.

He added with the improvement being undertaken in the nearby Rose Garden, the Melvin Jones Football grounds will also be developed into a world-class football playing field.

As of this writing, the national men's open finals bound GoshenLand Baguio was battling the BSU varsity, while the BSU Alumni was squaring off against the Pinsao Hard 11 in the 11-a-side men's open.

Aside from the men's open, a ladies open and age group competitions will also see action in the month long tournament to be held during the weekends. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 04, 2011.

Baguio bets banner wushu team to Indon SEA Games

A MIX of veterans and rookies will banner the country’s flag in the wushu competition of the 26th Southeast Asian Games slated November in Indonesia.

Veterans and Baguio-based wushu campaigners John Keithley Chan, Mark Eddiva, Benjie Rivera, Edward Folayang, brothers Daniel and Denver Parantac, and Thornton Quieney Lou Sayan will banner the 18 man field in the biennial competitions.

Joining the group are Jessie Aligaga, Mary Jane Estimar, Engelbert Andongan, Denbert Arcita, and Eleazar Jacob.

Completing the team are female wushu artists Rhea May Rifani, Marianne Mariano, Kariza Chan, Kathlynn Sabalburo, and Natasha Laxamana.

The five female wuhsu players are also based in the city.

The group was culled from the recently concluded Philippine National Games where Baguio won 41 gold medals, including 28 silver and 14 bronze medals in the wushu competitions and where the Summer Capital bagged the over-all title.

Close to 4,000 athletes in 34 disciplines showcased their wares in national competitions organized by their respective national sports associations doubling as tryouts for the 26th Indonesia SEA Games in November.

Jayvie Espada, who won in the juniors division of the women’s 48 kilogram, Jaymie Gayman (56kg), and Harold Banario (60kg) are earlier said to have earned possible slots in the juniors national team of wushu-sanshou.

2009 SEA Games bronze medal winner Parantac, a taulo practitioner, together with Eddiva, will be also be eyeing a stint in the upcoming 2011 World Championships in October in Uzbekistan.

The Wushu Federation of the Philippines also lined up a three to four month build up program in Taijuan, China under an agreement forged by the Philippine Sports Commission and its Chinese counterpart.

Unlike last year, the Philippine team will have ample training to prepare for the twin tournaments the country is committed to participate in.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 05, 2011.

Banario defends URCC crown in Davao

UNIVERSAL Reality Combat Championship lightweight champion Honorio Banario is set to defend his title when he faces former champion Angelito Manguray in a grudge match.

But Banario will be fighting in an unfamiliar territory this time as he is set to fly to Davao City for the upcoming Colt 45 URCC Davao Digmaan III later this August.

This will the second time both fighters will square off in the lightweight division after Banario snatched the crown in last April’s URCC encounter dubbed ‘Collision’ as one of the co-main event of the evening via a rear naked choke in the eight-minute mark of the second round scheduled for two rounds.

Banario dictated the tempo of the fight, which kept Manguray, previously undefeated after four fights, at bay before catching the 40-year-old dentist with a choke forcing the tap out.

“Sobrang unexpected yung nangyari. Magaling din kasi sya yung pinakamatagal kung nakalaban sa ring kasi karamihan puro sa first round lang,” said the 21-year-old Banario after winning his first belt in the URCC.

The lightweight champion has already started workouts together with welterweight champion Eduard Folayang who will also be scheduled for another fight in Singapore.

Banario’s win is the fourth weight class championship belt of Team Lakay.

Both fighters were undefeated prior to their April match, however, Banario came out with a big win for his fourth consecutive win, all on submission.

Manguray, a dentist by profession has four wins, all on technical knockout with only the loss against Banario marring his record.

To make things bigger and more exciting, Davao will also witness the crowning of the first URCC Mindanao Champion, as Benjie Lumacad and Isaac Tuling vie for the URCC Mindanao Bantamweight Belt.

Lumacad, 2-0, a boxer turned MMA fighter is best known for winning the epic 3-round battle with Jilmar “Stone Cold” Tangayan in the first Davao Digmaan.

Tuling, 2-1 in URCC, is known as a devastating finisher but came up short as a replacement fighter against URCC Flyweight Champion Kevin “Silencer” Belingon in URCC XIX.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 06, 2011.

Aggressiveness key to Azkals’ Sunday win – coach

SHOWING they wanted the victory more, the Philippine Azkals came out aggressively than their Sri Lankan counterpart during the second leg of their World Cup qualifying match at the rain soaked Rizal Football stadium

“The Azkals showed they want it more than the Sri Lankans,” said Baguio City National High School football head coach Aries Bocalan.

In front of a drenched full-capacity home crowd, the Azkals clobbered the visiting Brave Red, 4-0 for an aggregate two game total of 5-1and advance to the second round where the Filipino booters will face Kuwait.

“Big factor yung home field at maganda yung pitch, sa start pa lang mas aggressive na ang Azkals kaya we won it,” added Bocalan.

Still recovering from a recurring hamstring injury, Phil Younghusband scored twice while Chieffy Caligdong and Angel Guirado added one goal each.

The men’s national football team will face a higher-ranked team in a very different and Middle Eastern climate unlike the rain-drenched match they just had.

Kuwait, which is at 102th in the FIFA ranking will host the Azkals (159th) on July 23 with the return match set five days later at the Rizal Memorial football field.

In addition to qualifying to0 the second phase, the Azkals also pulled off that elusive first win for Philippine football in a World Cup qualifier.

The Azkals, playing in front of 13,000 supporters went on a relentless attack from the get-go, making a whopping 26 attempts at the goal where four went in.

“If we want to replicate our victory against Kuwait, yung team should be attack oriented and control the possession most of the time. The team should be more aggressive dahil malakas yung Kuwait,” said the former Ateneo Blue Eagle who the crown in the UAAP from 2004-2007. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 05, 2011.

Councilor proposes for city to host 2012 PNG

ALTHOUGH the city still lacks a sports facility to cater to national and international competitions, a resolution is being proposed for the city to bid for the hosting of the Philippine National Games next year.

Proposed by Councilor Elmer Datuin, the resolution seeks to submit the bid to the Philippine Sports Commission and to the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The resolution stemmed from the over-all performance of the Summer Capital after scoring 68 gold medals, including 66 silver and 76 bronze in the resurgent games which was last staged 15 years ago.

Hosting the national games, according to the resolution, aims to take the momentum of the Baguio squad of their success and for the Baguio residents to witness their excellence.

Datuin, in his resolution, said Baguio City is already known by world class athletes as a high altitude training area and conducting national games in the city will further provide an added attraction.
“There is an overwhelming clamor not only from the residents of Baguio but from all over the country, that it’s now about time the City of Baguio to host the national games,” the resolution stated.

The resolution added if the national games will happen in the Summer Capital, it will be a perfect time to instill sports and health consciousness to the constituents of the city and its neighboring areas. It is also an opportune time to promote the tourism industry since participants are coming from the different regions of the country.

Datuin added the conduct of the national games may also be done in partnership with the province of Benguet and La Union as venues of some sports disciplines.

The resolution also seeks to partner with the PSC for the rehabilitation and repair of the city’s existing sports facilities once the hosting of the PNG is approved.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 01, 2011.

Local MMA legend returns to ring September

FAST becoming mix martial arts legend Eduard Folayang gears up anew for a stint in another MMA promotion in Singapore on September.

The reigning Universal Reality Combat Championship welterweight champion will strut his wares in the upcoming One Fighting Championship, as he battles Manila-born Danish Ole Laursen in the competition.

It will be Folayang's first return to the ring after almost a year of absence in competitive fighting. He last saw action in Martial Combat in October of 2010 when he defeated Vuyisile Colossa in a grueling three round unanimous decision.

"We just started our training and right now we are currently studying my opponent's strength and weaknesses," said Folayang.

With a record of nine victories and a loss in his mix martial arts career, Folayang will face a tough professional kick boxer with a record of 34 wins and 19 losses.

Although Folayang may be a bit rusty as he steps into the ring, he has been keeping his condition in check as he supervised the training of other mix martial artists Kevin Belingon, who defended his bantamweight title against Ryan Diaz, and pinweight champion Roy Docyogen last March.

Folayang was supposed to fight in Abu Dhabi last March but things did not work out well. On the other hand, he assured he will continue to see action in upcoming international mix martial arts events and is being primed to defend his welterweight title in the URCC later this year.

But Folayang's opponent is not a push over as he also carries an impressive record in his back.

Laursen had his first MMA fight with K-1 Hero's in 2006 and had two fights with the promotion losing both of his matches against strong opposition in Genki Sudo and Caol Uno.

Despite the losses, Laursen became more familiar with MMA training as he focused less and less on Muay Thai and kickboxing, and worked on his takedown defense, going on to win his next five matches, including defeating Eduardo Pachu to win the Martial Combat Superfight Lightweight title.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on June 30, 2011.